Ali Bonar — CEO & Co-Founder of Oat Haus, a food company bringing fun and play to eating. Their flagship product, Granola Butter, is the world's first oat-based spread and while Oat Haus was born out of Ali's decade-long battle with an eating disorder, and it's now her mission to help others feel less alone. Since its beginnings in 2018, Oat Haus h…

Stephen McHale — a long-time Cleveland serial entrepreneur with a 40-year career founding, investing in, and building companies. Most notably, Steve served as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Explorys, which he formed in 2009 in partnership with The Cleveland Clinic. He co-founded and funded Explorys with Charlie Lougheed, one o…

Welcome to a special bonus episode of the Lay of The Land podcast. Today, we're doing something a bit different as I take on the role of guest on other podcasts to discuss recent developments in my journey and offer a glimpse of what lies ahead. As some of you may know, I've recently embarked on a new professional path by joining the founding team …

Throughout his career, Hanna Kassis has overseen $1.5 billion in capital deployment. Hanna began his entrepreneurial journey in Youngstown, where he managed Tim Ryan's congressional campaign from 2008 to 2011. This early taste of independence would prove formative for his future ventures. Though he initially pursued law school in Chicago with inten…

It is with a heavy heart that I honor Bob Sopko’s memory by revisiting Lay of The Land's 12th episode. While no conversation could ever fully capture the breadth or depth of his legacy, I hope this episode relays an essence of his spirit, his unwavering commitment to supporting others, and his vision for Cleveland’s entrepreneurial future. Bob will…

Ryan Schreiber is a long-time Clevelander and major advocate for the city, as well as the founder and CEO of Streamline, an innovative mobile platform tackling one of the streaming industry's most pressing challenges—helping users navigate the increasingly fragmented world of content and entertainment, from sports to shows and movies, across over 2…

Jim Weisman, CEO of Ingine, exploring deep into the intersection of artificial intelligence and healthcare In our world where healthcare costs are soaring and drug development timelines stretch into decades, Ingine is revolutionizing how we can analyze complex medical and healthcare data to produce better knowledge to create better medicine. By lev…

After a brief hiatus, Jim Haviland and Kris Snyder discuss various themes surrounding entrepreneurship, leadership, and the evolving landscape of business. They reflect on recent podcast episodes, emphasizing the importance of intrinsic motivation for founders, the necessity of learning new skills, and the role of storytelling in leadership. The di…

Lance Hill, CEO of Within3, has led one of Cleveland's most well-capitalized startups, raising over $100 million to transform how the healthcare and life sciences industries communicate. What began in 2007 as a secure peer-to-peer platform for physicians quickly evolved into something much more ambitious—a solution to break down communication barri…

Welcome to a special bonus episode of the Lay of The Land podcast. Today, we're doing something a bit different as I take on the role of guest on other podcasts to discuss recent developments in my journey and offer a glimpse of what lies ahead. As some of you may know, I've recently embarked on a new professional path by joining the founding team …

Chas Withers, chairman and CEO of Dix & Eaton, the storied Cleveland integrated communications firm, known for its specialization in marketing communications, Crisis management, and investor relations, which has partnered with its clients to drive impact and results in their public relations since 1952. While Chas has led the firm as CEO since 2015…

Joe Pulizzi is a serial entrepreneur and deeply passionate about all things content marketing and entrepreneurship — he is the bestselling author of seven books including Content Inc., selling over 500,000 copies worldwide with his work featured New York Times, Insider, Entrepreneur, and other notable publications he hosts multiple podcasts and wri…

Aaron Hoffman and John Zinno — co-founders of DeliverThat, based in Canton Ohio. Friends for life, the two of them started this business out of Ohio University in 2016 off the bat of a viral tweet and have since proceeded to revolutionize catering delivery with over $300 million dollars of catering delivery under their belt, a network of over 25,00…

Andrew Rising, CEO of Encore Venture Labs. As someone who believes deeply in the opportunity for Cleveland’s future, I find Andrew’s journey to be an inspiring and optimisitc one… …Deeply rooted in the heart of Cleveland’s west side where he grew up before embarking on a decade-long adventure in the Bay Area—a place where innovation and venture cap…

Summary In this episode of Weekly Impact, Jim Haviland and Kris Snyder discuss the ambitious vision of John Vickers and his project, Blue Abyss, which aims to revolutionize how we live on Earth and beyond. They explore the importance of persistence and patience in entrepreneurship, especially in the context of navigating challenges and growth. The …

Franco Kraiselburd — Co-Founder and CEO of Asclepii — building the next generation of tissue engineering therapeutics for wound healing. I’ve recently heard a life’s work described as a lifelong quest to build something for others that expresses who you are. It feels to me that Franco is not just building a company, but has found his life’s work an…

John Vickers, Founder & CEO of Blue Abyss. John is building one of the most ambitious and inspiring projects I’ve encountered while exploring what people are building in Cleveland! After spending eight years in the British Army, John completed his service at the rank of Corporal in 1991 and transitioned to a civilian career where he worked in manag…

Summary In this episode, Jim Haviland and Kris Snyder review Lay of the Land #183 that features Laura Bennett and Alex Krooglik, formerly of Embrace Pet Insurance, and discuss the journey of early-stage entrepreneurs, focusing on the challenges they face, the importance of market research, and the dynamics of investor responsibilities. The conversa…

Laura Bennett and Alex Krooglik, co-founders of Embrace Pet Insurance, which was sold in 2023 for $1.5 billion to JAB Holding Company. The duo founded Embrace Pet Insurance after graduating from Penn’s Wharton School of Business in 2003 and moving to Cleveland, where they built and grew this e-commerce, specialist insurance company selling pet insu…

The conversation discusses the importance of peer groups and support networks for entrepreneurs who have exited their businesses. It highlights the need for planning and preparation for life after the liquidity event. The episode also introduces the Lay of the Land episode featuring Dan Nitowsky of Tiger 21, a peer group that focuses on wealth pres…

Dan Nitowsky, Chair of TIGER 21 Cleveland. Dan, like me is a native New Yorker who has made Cleveland his home & has spent 30 years here in Cleveland as a highly accomplished executive with a proven history of success in distribution and manufacturing, with leadership roles in the Electrical Distribution industry — where expanded Mars Electric from…

In this conversation, Jim Haviland and Kris Snyder discuss Lay of the Land #181 with Fred DiSanto of Ancora, the importance of wisdom and earned wisdom, the value of trusted relationships and introductions, the benefits of being part of a community, the role of mentorship in personal and professional growth, the importance of making decisions and t…

Fred DiSanto, Chairman and CEO of Ancora — the Cleveland-based investment firm with nearly $10B in assets under management and over 100 employees — which he’s led since 2006! Before Ancora, Fred had an expansive investing career, most recently overseeing investment management, private banking, and Trust and Banking Services at Fifth Third Bank. Fif…

In this episode, Jim Haviland and Kris Snyder discuss their upcoming events and dive into the conversation with Taylor Evans about Rust Belt Recruiting. They talk about the importance of having a strong brand name, the challenges of expanding into new areas of business, and the significance of having a consistent operating system. They also touch o…

Taylor Evans — Founder and President of Rust Belt Recruiting, a leading local manufacturing recruiting agency, which also hosts a kindred-spirit podcast to Lay Of The Land, called Rust Belt Rundowns, where they are amplifying the stories of local manufacturing executives and leaders across Northeast Ohio. Today's conversation explores Taylor’s path…

In this conversation, Jim Haviland and Kris Snyder discuss various topics including founders' dinners, the grand opening of Encore Venture Labs, the Ohio VC Fest, and the importance of focusing on numbers in business. They emphasize the value of networking, seeking feedback, and building a strong team. They also highlight the recognition received b…

My guests this week are my friends and partners over at Impact Architects —who many of you will note are the longest-time supporters of Lay of The Land and the community building work we’re doing together — Kris Snyder and Jim Haviland who’ve spent over a decade together as serial entrepreneurs building companies like Ninety, Vox, and Impact Archit…

In this conversation, Jim Haviland and Kris Snyder discuss various topics including leadership development, the importance of having an exit plan for businesses, and the value of financial modeling. They highlight the need for leaders to continuously develop their skills as their businesses grow and evolve. They also emphasize the significance of p…

Sandor Gyerman and Jared Anderson, the dynamic co-founders of Andor Creative. Founded in 2018 when they were Sophomores at Cleveland State University, Andor Creative was born to find more innovative ways to produce advertising and marketing content for companies, bridging the gap between Gen Z and established businesses in Greater Cleveland. Since …

In this conversation, Jim Haviland and Kris Snyder discuss the importance of good infrastructure and solving the digital divide. They highlight the work of Joshua Edmonds, who is working on providing affordable internet access through his company Canopy. They also touch on the history of internet connectivity and the need for access to healthcare a…

In this conversation, Jim Haviland and Kris Snyder discuss the story of Bob Malley and Malley's Chocolates, a successful family business. They highlight the importance of succession planning and the respect for the work that went before. They also discuss the concept of 'Malley moments' and how the emotional impact of a product can create a lasting…

In this episode, Jim Haviland and Kris Snyder discuss their recent interviews with non-traditional entrepreneurs and their impact on the Cleveland community. They highlight the importance of changing the negative perception of Cleveland and embracing its rich history and authenticity. They also discuss the cyclical nature of cities and the need for…

In this episode, Jim Haviland and Kris Snyder discuss the entrepreneurial journey of Keith Gurchuk and Marissa Guterman, who made a film called 'Lost and Found in Cleveland'. They talk about the importance of purpose over paycheck and the difference between working for a paycheck and seeking purpose in work. They also highlight the level of hustle …

In this episode, Jim Haviland and Kris Snyder discuss the recent podcast episode with Mitchell Vargo from Forward Hospitality Group. They highlight the importance of having an intentional operating system for business success and the benefits of implementing EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System). They also talk about the creative infrastructure in…

In this conversation, Jim Haviland and Kris Snyder discuss three main topics: the Lay of the Land podcast with Ian Mauer of Genome Oncology, their sessions for the week, and the start of Q3. They highlight Ian's description of Genome Oncology as a clinical decision support system and his approach to learning and evolving. They also discuss the role…

In this conversation, Jim Haviland and Kris Snyder discuss various topics related to business building and entrepreneurship and the lessons learned from Umberto Fedeli. They talk about the importance of being a student of the game and continuously learning, as well as the significance of having a clear purpose and being in the right place doing the…

In this conversation, Jim Haviland and Kris Snyder discuss three main topics: the podcast episode with Matt Shapiro from Vitalize, the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year awards, and their session days. They highlight key takeaways from each topic, including the stages of business development, the importance of clear communication, and the need …

Jim Haviland and Kris Snyder discuss Lay of the Land episode #169 with Aaron Slodov, including Aaron's Manifesto, his mission to exascale American manufacturing, and the importance of skilled labor. They talk about Jeremiah Landi who helps startups turn ideas into products and his multi-faceted background. Finally, they mention Introductions of Val…

This episode reviews the Lay of the Land podcast with Darren A. Small and his company, Oko, AI and workflow automation. Also discussed event by North Coast Ventures is also discussed, mentioning portfolio companies like Society Brands. The episode concludes with a conversation about EO, a business owner's network. This week's Lay of the Land episod…

Joshua Edmonds, CEO of DigitalC. The digital divide — this gap between people who have access to the internet and those who do not — is something you may have heard me bring up a few times before on this podcast — while not uniquely a Cleveland issue, Cleveland historically has been one of the most challenged connected large cities in the country w…

Mike Malley, President and CEO of Malley's Chocolates. If you grew up in northeast Ohio it’s very likely you know of Malley’s Chocolates, a staple of this community, providing delicious chocolate candies & treats for over eight decades now with nearly two dozen retail stores across the region and a modern chocolate-making 60,000 sq foot factory off…

Craig Hassall, CEO of Playhouse Square Craig is a mainstay in the international theater community, with decades of experience operating and curating the most prestigious venues across Europe and Australia. Over his career, in addition to his role as CEO of the Royal Albert Hall in London, he was also CEO of Opera Australia which oversees the Sydney…

Keith Gerchak and Marisa Guterman — Founders @ Double G Films This is a truly special episode — I always love exploring the parallels between entrepreneurship and art and in our conversation today, we get to explore the fascinating journey behind 'Lost and Found in Cleveland,' the upcoming feature film and brainchild of Keith and Marisa, which brin…

Mitchell Vargo, Partner at Forward Hospitality Group. Since its founding in 2015, the Cleveland-based Hospitality Group has built out unique entertainment, bar, and restaurant experiences locally and all across the country — from here in Cleveland to Chicago, Miami, and beyond! The breadth of concepts spans FWD — the large-scale day and nightclub b…

Ian Maurer — Chief Technology Officer at GenomOncology and co-lead of the Cancer Informatics for Cancer Centers’ AI working group. With over two decades of software experience, Ian has led GenomOncology — a Cleveland-based software company — in their pursuit to provide the healthcare community with data-driven insights to improve cancer care and st…

Umberto P. Fedeli — Founder, President, and CEO of The Fedeli Group I first had the opportunity to speak with Umberto on this podcast just over a year ago! At the time, our conversation extended far beyond what we were able to include in the original episode exploring his Italian heritage & Cleveland upbringing, the evolution of his career, life ph…

Matt Buder Shapiro — Chief Marketing Officer at Vytalize Health, Previously Founder at MedPilot (Acquired) I first spoke to Matt on this podcast 3 years ago. At the time, as a co-founder and chief marketing officer of MedPilot, he was navigating an acquisition to Vytalize Health after having built the company to help service over a million patients…

Aaron Slodov — CEO of Atomic Industries, a company he co-founded back in 2019 and has raised over $20 million from leading investors like Toyota Ventures, Impatient Ventures, Narya Capital, 8090 Industries, and others! Atomic is on a mission to exascale the American manufacturing sector, starting with making tool and die-making orders of magnitude …

Darren Small, co-founder and CEO of Oko. With over a decade of experience on Wall Street, Darren’s analytical background from the world of investment banking, stocks, and data, equipped him with a keen eye for efficiency and growth opportunities which he’s now applied to the world of logistics! Darren co-founded Oko back in 2021 after witnessing fi…

John Kempf — founder of Advancing Eco Agriculture (AEA), a regenerative agronomy company started back in 2006 to share the knowledge, tools, and systems that regenerate farm profitability, soil health, and plant health, all while reducing the need for fertilizers and pesticides. Under John’s leadership, AEA has grown to be trusted by over 10,000 gr…